More than

1 in 4 gay teens

are thrown out of their homes.

Here's the issue.

For most of us, our families provide the one place where we can be ourselves and know that we will be loved and accepted, no matter what.

But what if you weren’t sure you could count on them?

Even in 21st century America, the overriding societal message imparted to our youth is that they should be straight and act a certain way according to their gender. And even the most well-intentioned parents do not always react well when their gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender child comes out to them. But the fact is, most people would do everything they possibly could to protect their loved ones from harm. And it turns out that the best way to protect a gay or transgender young person is to simply support and accept them.

The best way to protect.

Research has shown that gay or transgender youth who have been highly rejected by their families were more than 8 times as likely to have attempted suicide, 6 times more likely to be highly depressed, and 3 times more likely to use illegal drugs and engage in unprotected sexual intercourse than those who weren’t rejected by family members. And when these kids grow up, they are less likely to have a strong network of family and friends to support them.

We can make a difference.

It’s time to give a damn. Because coming out is one of the most courageous and most frightening things a gay or transgender person will do in their lives, and everyone deserves support during such a vulnerable moment. Everyone deserves to be loved and accepted for who they are—especially by their family.